Wales vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Caleb Muntz inspires visitors into historic win in Cardiff
Wales 19-24 Fiji: The visitors came from behind to win for first time at Principality Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wales suffered their 10th defeat in a row in a historic result as Fiji came from behind to win for the first time in Cardiff.
Warren Gatland’s team started the game strongly with their driving maul particularly useful in the opening stages as Fiji looked too weak to hold them. Blair Murray went over for the first try and Dewi Lake, from another maul, picked up a penalty try to send the hosts 14-3 in front with a Caleb Muntz penalty the only score for Fiji.
As yellow cards, and a red for Semi Radradra, halted the momentum in the first half Muntz decided to turn up the heat. He darted through a gap in the Wales defence to score and send the Fijians into the break just four points behind. After the restart the fly-half kick two penalties to put Fiji ahead before the powerful Josua Tuisova increased the lead.
Ellis Bevan came off the bench to score his first try at the Principality Stadium but another penalty kic kform Muntz put Fiji too far ahead with time running out. Wales couldn’t get in during a thrilling closing minute and Fiji claimed a famous win.
Relive the action from the Principality Stadium in our live blog below:
Fiji claim historic win in Cardiff as Wales fall further into crisis
Wales slumped to a record-equalling 10th successive Test match defeat as Fiji claimed a 24-19 Autumn Nations Series victory in Cardiff.
Despite having wing Semi Radradra sent off for a dangerous tackle midway through the first half, World Rugby’s 20-minute red-card trial meant Fiji were able to replace him early in the second period.
And they did just enough to pile the misery on Warren Gatland’s team and post a first win against them in the Welsh capital.
Wales’ latest defeat matched a run of losses set in 2002 and 2003 under Gatland’s fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen, and they have not tasted success since beating 2023 World Cup pool stage opponents Georgia.
Fiji claim historic win in Cardiff as Wales fall further into crisis
Wales 19-24 Fiji: Warren Gatland’s men slumped to a 10th straight defeat
‘Welsh rugby can’t continue like this'
Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar told TNT Sports: “I suppose the decision has to be made this autumn.
“Clearly the way things are for Welsh rugby at the moment can’t continue like this. You can’t go 11, 12, 13 defeats on the spin without questions being asked.
“It’s clearly a really really rough day for Welsh rugby and one that needs to lead to plenty of questions.”
Muntz reacts to historic win
Speaking to TNT Sports, Player of the Match Caleb Muntz said: “It means a lot we’re coming into this November tour against some pretty quality sides.
“Last week we had to lick a few wounds and we weren’t too happy with our performance last week.
“So coming here, we knew that we hadn’t won here before, we had beaten wales before but not here. I think even after last year at the world cup - our last-minute loss to them in the first game of the pool - I think it just means a lot to everyone.”
FT Wales 19-24 Fiji
Full-time! Wales 19-24 Fiji
80 mins: Fiji have done it! They’ve beaten Wales for the first time in Cardiff. It’s a shocker for the Welsh, Warren Gatland’s men have gone 10 games without a win now.
They’ve not won at all this year.
A superb game and a fantastic result.
Wales 19-24 Fiji
78 mins: This attack has to be the one for Wales. There’s probably not enough time left for them to mount another one.
Blair Murray sprints into space on the left wing and looks for the offload which gives the ball away. In response Fiji boot the ball long and Wales get the ball back.
They need to score from inside their own half. A huge ask.
Wales 19-24 Fiji
75 mins
Instead of a try, Fiji get the penalty which Muntz kicks over the bar to make it a five point game. Wales need to score.
NO TRY! Wales 19-26 Fiji
74 mins: Fiji believe they’ve won this match. A quick dart down the left and a sweeping pass brings the ball into the hands of Caleb Muntz.
He floats it over the top and finds Vuate Karawalevu who sprints for the corner and scores. In the build-up there was a Wales offside and the TMO rules out the try because Muntz’s pass was forward.
Wales 19-21 Fiji
72 mins: Great defence!
Wales defend attack after attack just a couple of metres from their line before they’re saved by a Fiji knock on. A lack of composure gives Wales a lifeline but they’ll need to get through the next scrum.
They do and manage to boot the ball into touch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments